However, in an interview with a Houston radio station as part of his media tour, he spoke of easing into the post-surgery process.

"That's my goal, to be full strength," he said. "Obviously, coming off surgery, even in the beginning of the year, [the goal is] to continue to work your way into things and hopeful hit your stride some point midseason, where you feel your best."

Wade began court work last week with assistant coach David Fizdale, posting a photo of that session on his Twitter account.

The Heat open training camp Sept. 29 at AmericanAirlines Arena, with their preseason to open Oct. 7 against the Atlanta Hawks and the regular season to open Oct. 30 against the visiting Boston Celtics.

Wade was asked by Walters about having to miss the London Olympics because of the knee.

"Obviously, watching the Games, you're kind of seeing where you could fit in at. You're like, 'Ooh, ah, I could have . . ., " he said. "But I knew the team was a great team and I had to do what's best for the Miami Heat and the franchise I really made a commitment to, and that was getting healthy and getting ready for the season."

Wade was introduced by Walters with, "He's been called the best basketball player in the world."

Of Wade's book, Walters said, "I've read it. It's a terrific book and you should read it."

The Lakers angle

During his Houston radio interview, Wade was asked about the Lakers loading up in the offseason with Dwight Howard and Steve Nash.

"I won't say that the Lakers are the favorite," he said. "I'd say on paper they look great, but you can't discredit what teams have done and the chemistry that teams have built."

He said the NBA finalist Heat and Oklahoma City Thunder deserve their respect.

"You can't take away from what we built and what we added to our team, and other teams, as well," he said. "The Lakers are the Lakers, and they find a way. They always find a way to be in this position. So, our job is to take care of us and worry about our team and make sure we can be as healthy as we can be coming back to defend our crown."